There can be a wide range of issues impacting customs clearance in a destination country. Whilst delays in document transmission or loss in transit, or port congestion through strikes or seasonal load cannot always be avoided, many customs issues can.

Problems fall broadly into three categories i.e. errors with documentation, logistics, or regulatory non-compliance. Whatever the issue, customs authorities stopping goods and/or referring to market surveillance bodies, leads to unnecessary delays, increased costs, and a less than optimum customer experience.

Correct documentation is paramount in both import and export; missing or incorrect paperwork (incomplete commercial invoices, packing lists, or declarations); vague product details; and even minor address or consignee data mistakes can lead to issues at customs.

Misclassification of goods too can lead to incorrect duties being estimated or paid; goods are then held until resolved or worse still, returned.

Missing licenses or permits (for items like electronics, chemicals, or food); attempted import of restricted or prohibited goods; and unclear Incoterms can all cause disputes and delays. Regulation in the destination market frequently impacts the packaging and labelling of goods (safety warnings, environmental/recycling information, translated labelling, etc.) can all trigger inspections regulated or dangerous goods, and increasingly general products.

GTD supports companies to resolve some of these issues and more. Occasionally, the problem is not instantly apparent in which case we liaise directly with customs authorities and market surveillance bodies on our clients’ behalf to resolve the problem so that goods can be cleared.